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African Art
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Ralph Proctor
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Return to Catalog 		Guro mask Guro mask
  • RPG0371
  • country: Ivory Coast
  • people: Guro
  • medium: wood
  • size: 13.5" x 7" x 5.5"
  • price: $495.
  • RPG0376
  • country: Ivory Coast
  • people: Guro
  • medium: wood
  • size: 16" x 7" x 7"
  • price: $1,500.
This pair represents an excellent opportunity to discuss relative value. The differences between the two may not be readily apparent, and some will say "I can't see the $1,000 difference between these two masks." To the untrained eye, and even at first glance from those familiar with the genre, they may indeed be very close in quality. However, some aspects of the superior one are not readily apparent. For example, the inside of the more expensive mask shows signs of repeated usage. Some use is evident in the newer mask, but not nearly as much as the older one.

Pay attention to the detail of the coiffure (hair) of the two masks. Notice that the one on the right is executed in fine detail; the one on the left is not so refined. Note the execution of the eyes, eyebrows, nose, mouth, and ears. The older mask was done by a master carver; the newer one by a craftsman with the skill, but not yet the experience to be a master. The part of the mask to which the costume is attached shows more skill in execution on the more expensive mask. The newer one is larger than normal for this size mask.

Finally, there is the issue of supply and demand. Older masks cost more, even if the newer mask is more beautiful. The final price is also dependent on the cost of obtaining the artifact. I was able to bargain better for the newer mask simply because I was able to tell the difference in age and quality.

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